As far as the filter, I'm not 100% certain, I figured that was the tube hanging down inside was? Even if not, we will get a new one.I don't have the tank yet,am picking it up this weekend, found it on Kijiji.

Yeah, I have the 5 gal hex, too and will have (fake, for now) plants running along the back and the divider as well as a terracotta pot in each with marbles as a substrate. (Pot's hole is sealed though! ;D)